Tax Levy Increase

May/Financial 2010 A community where learners excel!

Board of Education: Don Edwards-President; Jack Sines-Vice President; Melissa Stephens; Donald Vredenburgh; Judy Warner. Superintendent of Schools-Robert Bundy; Assistant Superintendent of Schools-Carol Denz.

NewsletterNewsletterVol. X, No. 9

2010-2011 Financial Issue2010-2011 Financial Issue

2010-11 2009-10

$25

2010-11 and 2009-10 Budgets

+.4%

$ 30.2 million $30.1 million

$30

$20

$15

$10

+3.7%

Projected State Aid

2010-11 2009-10 2008-09

$1.5 million

-$1.2 million

$.2 million

Projected 2010-11

5%

4%

3%

2%

1%

0%10-year average

4.34% 4.36%

This budget season has been challenging to say the least. Th e Chenango Forks administration and Board of Education prepared a budget that is fi scally responsible while maintaining programs for our students.

Th is year’s fi scal climate is so bad that:

-If I were a gardener, the garden would remain fallow. -If I were a fi sherman, I’d take up gardening. -If I were a poker player, I’d throw this hand in. -If I were a fi reman, I’d call in the police. -If I were a policeman, I’d supply the fi reman with all the water I could. Below are the details about the 2010-11 budget: A proposed budget increase in January 2010 of 2.06 percent or $619,422,

which produces a budget of $30,697,500. A decrease in funding revenue from the state of $1,262,670. Th e budget spending plan adopted by the BOE is up 0.36 percent, or

$106,961 over the 2009-10 budget.Th e anticipated levy is 4.34 percent, which was obtained by:

Reducing the original budget by $562,670, Utilizing $2,200,000 in reserves, Reducing the work force through retirements, attrition and layoff s by 10.5 positions.

Over the last 10 years:30.25 positions have been eliminated in the district.Th e budget levy increase has averaged 4.36 percent per year over the last

10 years.

When you look at student achievement compared to our neighboring school districts, our students achieve at the top or very near the top. Innovative, proactive teaching strategies in regular education and special education, accomplished through staff development, has allowed the district to achieve these results. Th is year, the district was recognized by the New York State Education Department as a district with “Eff ective Practice in Tiered Instructional Response K-12.” We were one of the only districts in the state to receive this distinction. What does that mean? Other districts across the state whose students are not achieving at the state benchmark will visit Chenango Forks over the next fi ve years to learn from us on how they can improve student achievement.

continued on page 4.

+$1.5

+$0.5

(-$0.5)

(-$1.5)

+$1.0

$0

(-$1.0)

May/Financial 20102 Budget

*10-Year Average Tax Levy Increase

4.36%

*10-Year Average Budget Increase

4.73%

Projected 2010-11 Tax Levy

*Average Increase on a $100,000 home (Before STAR savings applied)

$84.74

2010 - 2011 Proposed Budget2009 - 2010 Budget

Administrative $3,374,383Program $20,727,225Capital $5,976,470

Total $30,078,078

Diff erenceAdministrative ($2,982) Program ($18,267)Capital $128,210 Total $106,961

2010 - 2011 BudgetAdministrative $3,371,401Program $20,708,958Capital $6,104,680

Total $30,185,039

2010-11Projected Tax Levy Increase = 4.34%

Projected Budget Increase = .36%NOTE: both are less than the 10-year average.

*Average full value home $100,000*2009-2010 full value rate per $1,000 $19.54*2010-2011 projected full value rate per $1,000 $20.39*Increase in rate per $1,000 $.85

*Average Tax Increase Per Month$7.06

*Average Tax Increase Per Day23 cents

*Averages subject to changes in equalization rates, STAR exemptions and assessments. Th e Basic and the Enhanced STAR savings will reduce the school taxes owed.

3May/Financial 2010 Budget

Budget Revenue

Below are comparisons between 09-10 and 10-11 budget revenue sources and their percentages. Th e district revenue is composed of four main sources: state aid, taxes from residents, other revenue such as interest and tuition, and fund reserves. Th is year, the amount of reserves allocated to next year’s budget will increase by 83 percent to help reduce the

tax levy increase.

2009-10 RevenueTax Levy

31%

Fund Balance

4%Other Revenue

6%

State Aid59%

Budget ExpendituresBudget expenditures include program, capital and administrative components. Th e Program Component provides funding for instruction and student support services for CF students in four instructional buildings. Transportation funding is also included in this section.Th e Capital Component provides funding for operations, maintenance and facilities, the district’s debt service and transfers to other funds.Th e Administrative Component includes administrators, supervisors, curriculum/staff development, business offi ce costs and legal and insurances costs. Below are comparisons between the 09-10 and 10-11 budget expenditures and their percentages. Th ere were no signifi cant changes to the allocation of resources among the expenditure components.

Program69% Capital

20%

Administrative11%

2009-10 Expenditures

2010-11 Projected RevenueTax Levy32% State Aid

55%

Fund Balance

7%

Other Revenue6%

2010-11 ExpendituresProgram

69% Capital20%

Administrative11%

May/Financial 20104 BudgetBudget

Voting procedures

Voter qualifi cationsYou are qualifi ed to vote if you are: 18 years of age or older. A citizen of the United States. A resident of the school district for 30 days.

Absentee ballotsAbsentee ballots are now available for individuals who will be absent from the District while the polls are open due to: Business, occupation or studies. Confi nement in a hospital or jail. Physical disability or illness. Vacation (includes retirees.)Call 648-7564, ext. 3629 for ballots.

Q: What are we actually voting on?A: Th ere are three items that you will be voting on during our annual vote held on May 18. First: Th e budget spending plan for the 2010-11 school year, which totals $30,185,039. Second: Th e purchase of buses for an amount not to exceed $218,000. Th ird: An open Board of Education seat, presently held by Don Edwards. Th e term of the Board seat is fi ve years. It will commence on July 1, 2010, and conclude on June 30, 2015.

Q: Why do we need new buses and what are we purchasing?A: We are purchasing two, 65-passenger buses. Th ese will replace two buses in our fl eet that are nearly ten-years old and are in need of signifi cant body work. Buses are inspected every six months. Body fatigue (rust) is the most common reason for a bus to fail a NYS inspection.

Q: Where can I get additional information on the budget?A: Visit our Web site at www.cforks.org (click on community portal, business offi ce, then budget and voting) or call Kathy Blackman, business executive, at 648-7564, ext. 3529 or Bob Bundy, superintendent, at 648-7543.

Q: I heard that the state budget eliminated the STAR program. Will I still get the STAR program for my school taxes?A: Yes. Th e Basic or Enhanced STAR savings will still be applied to your tax bill to reduce the amount of school taxes you will owe.

-Kathy Blackman, business executive

Important informationTh e information listed below is available in the Business Offi ce located in the High School, One Gordon Drive, Binghamton, N.Y. School Report Card. Property Tax Report Card. Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent Salary and Benefi ts. Line-item Budget Information.Property Tax Exemption Information.

Voter I.D.Identifi cation will be required when you vote. Acceptable forms of identifi cation include: Valid driver’s license. A passport. Other certifi ed photo identifi cation such as a Sheriff ’s I.D. card.

Senior exemptionsTh e Board of Education has adopted the following

schedule for the senior exemption:Income Level Percent$15,000 or less .................................... 50%$15,000 to $16,000 ............................ 45%$16,000 to $17,000 ............................ 40%$17,000 to $18,000 ........................... 35%$18,000 to $18,900 ............................ 30%$18,900 to $19,800 ............................ 25%$19,800 to $20,700 .....................................20%

Questions and answers

What does the 2010-11 budget mean to you as a taxpayer?

Quality programs for students at a reasonable cost.On a home valued at $100,000, we are asking you to spend an additional $84.74 during the upcoming school

year to maintain our high quality programs, or an additional 0.23 cents per day.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 648-7543, or bundyr@cforks.org, or Kathy Blackman, business executive, at 648-7564, or blackmank@cforks.org.

Budget, from page 1.

-Bob Bundy, superintendent

5May/Financial 2010 DistrictDistrictBeing prepared

Have you ever asked yourself what you would take with you if you had to leave your house in the

event of an emergency such as a fi re or fl ood? Certainly you would make sure that your family members and pets were able to exit safely, but what other items would you need to bring?

Most people would try to bring documents, photos and other items, but they are often located in several places in the home. Th is makes it diffi cult to remember what to take during a stressful situation.

Imagine that you have a building with hundreds of occupants and an emergency occurs. Th e fi rst priority is to make sure everyone exits safely and are all accounted for. Schools regularly practice fi re drills and are very efficient at making sure students and staff exit quickly and safely. In emergency planning, this practice is called preparedness. In other words, planning and practice ensures that you respond properly if an emergency occurs.

During the 2009-2010 school year,

Chenango Forks was among 110 school districts in the United States to receive grant funding for emergency management and response. Th e Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) grant will provide nearly $100,000 to assist in improving our capability to respond during emergency situations. The funding will provide numerous training opportunities for all staff members and over $30,000 of emergency supplies will be purchased. Th ese supplies include new wheelchairs for the nurse’s offi ces, radio equipment, an ID badge system, fi rst aid equipment and supplies for “Gotta Go Bags.”

What is a “Gotta Go Bag?” Each building in the district has one. It is a large suitcase full of supplies that might be needed during an emergency evacuation of a school building. Each “Gotta Go Bag” contains fi rst aid kits, fl ashlights, markers, pens and paper, emergency blankets and other essential items.

Th e most important items in the bags are notebooks, which contain information to help locate students and family members

in the event of an emergency. Because computer access is not always possible, these documents are kept up-to-date and provide valuable information during an evacuation.

The district has taken the “Gotta Go Bag” concept one step further. By the end of the school year, each classroom at Harshaw and Kenyon will have a “Gotta Go Bucket.” In addition to attendance sheets and class lists, these fi ve-gallon buckets will contain all of the items a staff member would need during a building evacuation.

In essence, the “Gotta Go Bags” and “Gotta Go Buckets” are portable offices and classrooms providing vital information and resources to ensure that everyone is safe in case of an unforeseen emergency. Each building is prepared by having “Gotta Go Bags” and “Gotta Go Buckets” to facilitate a safe evacuation for everyone.

-Dave Burdick, safe schools coordinator

S3TAIR update

Chenango Forks School District was recently recognized as a mentor district of the S3TAIR (Supporting Successful Strategies to Achieve Improved Results) project.

Chenango Forks will be awarded $10,000 a year, renewable annually.

An update on the project was provided to the Board of Education (BOE) on Thursday, March 11. Mary Catherine Moran, Hudson area S3TAIR representative, and Carol Denz, assistant superintendent, made the presentation on the district’s status and future plans and activities.

Th e district applied to participate and was accepted for the grant as an Eff ective Practice School (model site), which will partner us in a mentoring relationship with a school that would replicate our research-based initiatives. All districts whose practices pass initial validation are included on an “Eff ective Practices Clearinghouse” Web site at www.s3tairproject.org.

New York’s project is designed to improve outcomesfor students with disabilities by helping educators increase skills in literacy, positive behavior intervention, and special education

Superintendent Bob Bundy, Assistant Superintendent Carol Denz, S3TAIR representative Mary Catherine Moran, Lori Pourby, Chris Gill and Jane Warren.

instruction. Th rough the S3TAIR Project, districts and schools that have eff ective, evidence-based practices in these areas will mentor schools in need of assistance or intervention as they implement similar practices.

Th e S3TAIR Project is a federal Special Education Development Grant awarded to New York state. Administered through the VESID offi ce within the New York State Education Department, the project aims to identify what schools are doing to demonstrate research-based eff ective practices.

-Carol Denz, assistant superintendent & Anne Marie Martino, district AIS coordinator

May/Financial 20106 DistrictDistrictAlumni cornerTroy Nickerson - Class of 2005

Troy recently completed his sensational college career at Cornell University with a fourth place fi nish in the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships held in Omaha, Neb., March 18-20. He will graduate as a four-time NCAA Division I All-American. In addition to his fourth place fi nish this year, he placed second in 2006, third in 2007, and won the NCAA Division I National Title in 2009, all in the 125 pound weight class.

Troy was also the Ivy League Wrestler of the Year in 2006 and 2009. Despite competing in this year’s tournament, and for most of the last three seasons, with an injured left shoulder, Troy compiled a 95-8 career record while at Cornell.

Troy had an incredible 213-6 high school career record wrestling for the Blue Devils. He was the fi rst, and is still the only, fi ve-time New York High School state champion. Troy capped his high school career by winning a High School National Championship and was the nation’s top recruit coming out of high school in the 125 pound weight class.

At this point, Troy’s wrestling future is very uncertain. He will undergo his third shoulder surgery in April and will take the year off to reevaluate his situation. Troy plans to attend dental school and then medical school in pursuit of becoming an oral maxillofacial surgeon.

Although he has received national recognition and accolades throughout his career, Troy appreciates his roots. When asked what Chenango Forks means to him, Troy replied, “I have many good memories of Chenango Forks and it will always be ‘home’ for me. I learned a great deal at CF, not only educationally but also about life. It was a great experience for me and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

-Dave Hogan, P.E./athletic director

It’s important to vote on the budget and for school board members running for the Board of Education. Your local school board makes the decisions that determine how your

community’s children are educated and how your tax dollars are spent.

The decisions made by the board affect virtually every important aspect of local schools, from district boundaries to bus schedules, curriculum to clubs and funding to fi eld trips. As the community’s elected representatives and fi scal stewards, they ensure the district education program is in compliance with New York state laws and regulations. Th ey set policies that determine which courses and programs are off ered and what texts, tools and technologies are purchased. School boards decide

whether schools are closed or constructed and they set the priorities and adopt the budget that determines how millions in federal, state and local tax dollars are spent.

For more information about New York school boards, visit the New York State Schools Boards Association’s Web site at www.nyssba.org.

Everyone, not just parents, has a stake in the success of our schools. When schools are strong and students succeed, everyone benefi ts. Voting in a school board election is an investment in the future of our students, of our community and of the nation. Please take the time to vote on May 18.

-NY State School Boards Association

Cast your vote for student success

Bobby Bodek - Class of 1998For someone barely 30 years of age, Bob has had

a pretty cool career. He is a geologist on the Gulf of Mexico Exploration Tiger Team for PB Oil in his third Challenge rotation working as an operations geologist on the Gulf of Mexico exploratory wells. He works closely with experienced operations geologists Jon Bellow and Paul Johnston and hopes to pursue a career in operations geology as well. He will have an involved role working operations on the upcoming Tiber well.

His fi rst Challenge rotation was as an operations geologist in the Wamsutter Asset. His second rotation was as a geologist on the Gulf of Mexico Exploration Deep Gas Team. Bob said of his career, “I am very grateful for the wide range of experience I have been exposed to thus far in my career. I feel that I have become a well-rounded geologist, possessing a diverse skill set and capable of performing a wide-variety of tasks.”

Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in operations and is looking forward to further expanding his skills in this area.

Bob completed his under graduate studies at SUNY Brockport and received his master’s from Virginia Tech. He was awarded the 2009 Chenango Forks Science Department Alumni Service Award for his success as well as for securing monetary grants from PB Oil to promote science for his old science department.

-Tim Conner, HS science teacher

7May/Financial 2010

Second grade

HarshawHarshaw“Golden Ticket Gang”

Front: Cole Follett, Emily Fisher, Jaziah Stroud, Ronald McCray, Maxwell Lawrence, Zachary Young, Matthew Brewster, Tyler Frost, Evan Jacobs, Ethan Weyer, Brian Tye. Back: Daniel Leighton, Sadie Zemanick, Avery Rose, Madison Ashman, Dominic Puglisi, Haylee Riegel, Faith Brown, Georgia Novitsky, Brendan Heaney, Kaden Miller, Morgan Furch, Kaylea Robinson, Rylie Jones.

Kindergarten

First grade

Front: Julia Kurchin, Gabriella Markham, Grace Bianco, Giovanna Leo, Kaylee Maietta, Grace Cadden, Lauren White, Alexander Kalivoda. Back: Vaughn Merithew, Anthony Schultz, Skylar Flanagan, Emily Totten, Raymond Austin, Bethany Behlen, Olivia Barry, Sarah Ciza, Bella Hovancik, Avery Stark, Alexandria Zemanick, Sierra Allen.

Front: Alexis Kunkel, Viktoria Lavrinovich, Justin Everett, Lauren Ashman, Sophie Rusnak, Elizabeth Dejong, Madison Meeker, Lindsey Szalach. Back: Barbara Furman, Brynn Hempstead, Alexis Patrillo, Dante Hovancik, Chloe Tuttle, Lyrek Lake, Hunter Gibbore, Aidan Ackerson, Savannah Secoolish, Kevin Matson, Hunter Micha.

5/3 Parent information night, 6-7 p.m.

5/4 PTA mtg., @ 6:30 p.m., CFE library

5/12-14 Pre-K/K registration, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

5/18 Budget vote, noon-9 p.m., HS auditorium

5/18 Site Council mtg., @ 2:45 p.m., room 124

5/28 Grandparents’ Day

5/31 Memorial Day. No school.

Harshaw May dates

Sir, have you seen a leprechaun?

Some say he doesn’t exist, but fi rst-grade students in Pati Maus’ class might disagree. Th at’s because they had an unexpected “visitor” come to their

classroom on St. Patrick’s Day.

While the students were in the cafeteria eating lunch, a tricky little leprechaun came to their classroom and “stole” their pot of gold. But, this tricky little leprechaun left some clues to help them fi nd their gold. Th e students had to read and decipher the clues, which sent them on a search throughout the Harshaw building for the leprechaun and their pot of gold.

Th rough their “hunt” they visited the hallways, teacher’s rest rooms and the auditorium before fi nally fi nding the hidden pot of gold under secretary Lynne Rosko’s desk in the Harshaw main offi ce. Th e children took the pot of gold (Hershey’s “gold” nuggets) to their classroom to share.

However, despite fi nding the gold, the students never did fi nd that tricky little leprechaun. Th e students ask all Chenango Forks residents to keep their eyes out for that leprechaun.

-Pati Maus, HP fi rst-grade teacher

First-grade teacher Pati Maus and her students search for their stolen pot of gold and the leprechaun who took it.

May/Financial 20108 HarshawHarshaw

New principal at Harshaw

In March, the Chenango Forks Board of Education

approved the appointment of Lorraine Pourby to the position of Harshaw Primary principal, eff ective July 1. A search committee made up of district staff conducted interviews and selected Pourby as the fi nal candidate.

Pourby started in the district in 1992. In 2000 she became the AIS math teacher and then the elementary math coordinator/teacher leader. Responsibilities include academic intervention services, staff development and consultant math leader for grades 3 to 5. She is also the lead intervention teacher for grades 3 to 5.

She has held internship positions at Kenyon and the High School with responsibilities ranging from bus, classroom and student discipline, scheduling various building activities to facilitating curriculum mapping.

She holds a B.S. in elementary education and M.S. in reading, both from SUNY Cortland. She also holds certifi cations as a School Building Leader/School District Leader, a New York State Public School Teacher in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and grades 1-6 with an English 7-9 extension and in reading.

Congratulations to Lori Pourby on her new position in the district. -Linda Myers, communications coordinator

Teacher requests

We take student placement very seriously. Soon you will be able to complete a 2010-2011 teacher request form. Th e entire elementary staff works hard to create classroom placements that off er our children

an educational environment that is both supportive and challenging. Each teacher and each student has strengths. We do our very best to match student strengths with teacher strengths when considering classroom placements.

If you would like to complete a parent request form to be considered for the 2010-2011 school year, here are some important reminders: Parents may pick up forms from the Harshaw or Kenyon offi ce. Forms will be available on May 2. Forms must be completed in full and returned or postmarked by May 14.Th ere is no order of selection on the form. We will do everything possible to place your child in any ONE of the classrooms on the list.

Please call Harshaw at 648-7580 or Kenyon at 648-7520 if you have any questions or concerns.

-Kathleen Keir, HP principal & Bernie McDermott, KI principal

In late March I was honored to attend the annual second-grade poetry recital. Th is event takes place in privacy (well,

if reciting a poem in front of all of your classmates, your teacher and three guest “judges” is considered private). However, it is private from the standpoint that the public is not invited to attend. Poetry Recital Day may appear to pass quietly, though for our second-graders, the day is exciting, empowering and full of courage and determination.

Weeks before the recital, every child selects a poem to memorize. Th ey practice and practice, sometimes alone, with each other, with their teachers, with their parents, in small groups, in large groups, in the cafeteria, and on the playground. Some, I am sure, practice at home in the privacy of a bathroom or bedroom, poised in front of the mirror. All of this for a few seconds on stage. Th ere, they stand alone, facing into a large auditorium reciting the “real thing.”

How proud you would be of each and every one of these students. Th ey enter as a class, beaming with confi dence. One by one, each marches up to the stage, adjusts the microphone and does their very best. Th ey support one another from the audience; but when the rubber hits the road, it is just one child standing there, depending on their own inner strength to do the unthinkable: to stand in front of others and fi nd their voice.

Th is year, as I listened, I heard something new. I heard our students use their voices to reach out to others. Th e rhymes and lyrics were often amusing, the authors’ names were sometimes hard to pronounce, but one thing was certain, their own willingness to stand up, believe in themselves and take a risk was the clearest sound of all. Th ey met the challenge.

Meeting the challenge

-Kathleen Keir, HP principal

Lori Pourby, front, second from right, with members of the search committee.

9May/Financial 2010 Harshaw/KenyonHarshaw/KenyonAuthor visits district

Students were treated to a “Lion’s Share” of entertainment and learning when author/illustrator Matthew McElligott visited Harshaw and Kenyon on March 11 and 12 as a part of the month-long PARP

celebrations.

Using photography, animated illustrations from books, and keynote presentation software, McElligott presented a visual exhibition of the writing process. Students were left with a clear understanding of the long, involved process of creating a story, starting with brainstorming an idea all the way to creating a fi nished book.

Each age level was treated to a different style of demonstration. Kindergarteners and fi rst-graders learned about his book “Absolutely Not”, and were given a special sneak preview of one of his soon-to-be-published books, “Even Monsters Need Haircuts.”

Second- and third-graders learned about fractions, exponential growth, and ink textures with “Th e Lion’s Share.” Fourth- and fi fth-graders learned all about the process of creating the illustrations in “Backbeard” and “Th e Birthday Suit” using digital photography and PhotoShop. All presentations were highly interactive, and best of all, fun!

In addition to his presentations, McElligott read to both the morning and afternoon pre-k classes and shared lunch with select groups of talented high school and middle school art students, which was enjoyed equally by the students and the author.

A huge thank you goes out to all building administrators, Debbie Abbey, Diane Sheehan, Keith Rosko, Yvonne Lindow, Lisa Diamond, Joyce Pixley and all other members of the PARP committee, as well as the PTA, for providing funding for this wonderful, educational visit.

To see Matt McElligott’s take on his visit to Chenango Forks, visit http://www.matthewmcelligott.com and look under the “What’s New” section.

-Nicole Waskie, K-3 library media specialist

Matt McElligott, center, talks to Middle and High School students about being an author.

Matt McElligott reads to a group of elementary students.

Students, families enjoy a pre-k evening

Throughout the school year, our pre-k parents are invited to come to school to work on projects and to play games. On March 24, pre-k held their fi rst ever parent involvement event in the evening. Over

100 children and adults enjoyed an event fi lled with farm fun. Michele Ashman, Tami Crane, Alicia Meacham, Carrie Herceg and Mrs. Samsel began by entertaining us with a reader’s theater rendition of “Th e Perfect Nest” by Catherine Friend.

Th en the children invited their families to dance the chicken dance. An adorable chick craft was last; however, the children had so much fun, they asked to do the chicken dance one more time before they left. Th ank you everyone for a wonderful event.

-HP pre-k teachersGavin Merrick with his chick.

May/Financial 201010

“Caught with Character”KenyonKenyon

It’s who you are. It’s what you do. It’s the way you live your life. Character counts!

5/4 PTA mtg., @ 6:30 p.m., CFE library5/5 5th-grade Band & Chorus Concert @ 7 p.m.5/5-7 State math exams for grades 3, 4, & 55/10 Moody’s & Winter’s classes to Finch Hollow5/11 DeAngelo’s & Bender’s classes to Finch Hollow5/12-14 State fi eld test - all students.5/18 Budget vote, noon-9 p.m., HS auditorium Site Council mtg., @ 2:30 p.m., offi ce

5/19 BU Poetry Day5/21 Zap! Performance for Grades 3 & 45/24-6/3 Grade 4 science performance test5/27 Banana Split’s party @ 2 p.m.5/28 Limbo contest @ 1:45 p.m.5/31 Memorial Day. No school.

Kenyon May dates

Testing time

Warning: your child will come home after completing the ELA and math exams to tell you, “I have more tests to take!” “For real?” “Yes!” In order to create

valid tests, the state education department has to “fi eld test” questions for future exams. We have participated in these in the past, but this year all students in grades 3-8 in the state will take them. Th ere is a large initiative to revise the state exams starting

next year, so a lot of data samples are needed. Specifi c student performance is not recorded. Th ese are just to see how a cross sampling of students perform on the questions. Each test is estimated to be 45-minutes to an hour. Each student takes one fi eld test, which I assume will include a mix of English and math questions.

Front: Kaleb Doupe (J. Will), Rebecca Vermilyea (R. Lapham & 5th-grade cafeteria), Hay-Lee Stroud (V. Hamlin), Mariah Bouck (J. Will), Connor Borchardt (C. Ferranti). Back: Lindsey Russell (H. Hudak), Will Sterling (C. Ferranti), Brandin Paulhamus (V. Allio), Samantha Suer (D. Allport), Victoria Garcia (K. Hillis), Jensen O’Hern (H. Vasina).

Front: Emily Camp (B. Beach.), Ana Undercoff er (L. Moody), Billy Maines (K. Rowlands), Kiera Lake(L. Robi), Kristian Woolston (D. Allport). Back: Jason Bosa (D. Allport), Justin McGeever (M. Emm), Samantha Samsel (4th-grade cafeteria), Brett McMillen (D. Abbey), Morgan Galusha (K. Hillis).

Front: Dylan Wilmarth (V. Winters), Nick O’Neil (V. Winters), Aidan Houlihan (A. Miller), Josh Wilson (J. Green). Back: Sara Heath (J. Bender), Konnor Brown (S. Erickson), Nick Lee (D. Allport), Melanie Latsha (J. Sanford), Sean Lally (4th-grade cafeteria).

-Bernie McDermott, KI principal

Front: Sean Wiser (V. Hamlin), Julie Heaney (C. Ferranti), Declan Houlihan (L. DeAngelo), Sarah Knox (D. Abbey), Blayre Th ornton (L. DeAngelo). Back: Jacob Kumpon (M. LoPiccolo), Matthew Starr (5th-grade cafeteria), Katie DeNinis (D. Allport), Catie Lally (C. Stankevich), James Wachter (D. Allport), Kaycee George (D. Abbey).

11May/Financial 2010

M.A.R.P. at Kenyon

What does M.A.R.P. mean? Students at Kenyon learned how to put math and reading together as part of “Math And Reading Practice” during the month of March.

Kenyon teachers, staff and students participated in activities combining “March Multiplication Madness” and “People as Reading Partners” (PARP). Th e students did extra reading and multiplication activities nightly. Th e focus was to improve reading fl uency as well as improve the quick recall of multiplication facts. As a “reward” the students received Pizza Hut and Wendy’s gift certifi cates, as well as a free homework pass for their participation in the nightly activities.

Th e culminating activities included Art/Literacy Museum Night, PJ Night for PARP and March Multiplication Madness assemblies where several student and staff winners were crowned victorious. Th ank you to all of the families who participated in M.A.R.P 2010.

-Emily Regan, KI literacy coordinator & Lori Pourby, KI math coordinator

Art and literature go together at Kenyon

March 18 was Literacy/Art night at Kenyon. Students began work for this special event in December. Th is year’s focus was social studies and third-, fourth- and fi fth-graders chose topics to research for their writing piece while art projects were created in the art room to

align with their literary work.

Th ird-graders focused on the continents with each class choosing a diff erent one. Fourth-graders focused on New York state symbols with everyone learning interesting facts about the state. Fifth-graders chose biographies of famous people, researching the person and creating portraits. We had a wonderful turnout at this year’s Kenyon museum. Great job boys and girls!

-Deborah Abbey, HP/KI art teacher & Emily Regan, KI literacy coordinator

M.A.R.P. winners are fi fth-grader Jared Hopkins, fourth-grader Brooke Maietta and third-grader Anna Kalivoda.

Math coordinator Lori Pourby works with Anna Kalivoda on multiplication cards.

A 3-D creation of coral.

Penguins from the Arctic. Beavers of New York state.

KenyonKenyon

May/Financial 201012

Native American myth

explains Earth’s mysteriesTh e Earth is an astounding place. It is where we live, eat, breathe

and sleep. Yet, there is so much we don’t understand about the Earth.

In March, Kenyon students had a unique experience as they learned about the Earth with Cliff ord Sunfl ower and his interactive theater story “Earth’s

Journey.” Th is all-day science fi eld trip is an interactive theater story that directly involves students and staff .

Th e story follows a tribal medicine woman’s search to discover the mystery of the sun’s decline in the winter sky. She and the tribe journey out and seek answers from the Earth’ elements, the plants, insects and animals, and the celestial movements.

Th ey discover how all these forces are interrelated and interact together to create the ecological diversity and wonder of the seasons and the winter solstice.

In Earth’s Journey the students act out the winter solstice and the subsequent understanding of science theory hopefully inspiring them to read more, write

more, and explore more, both individually and cooperatively, the science they have learned about in this program.

Earth’s Journey is designed to meet a variety of state and national standards in all grade levels. -Linda Myers, communications coordinator

KenyonKenyon

Cody Hill is the sun as Nick Lee revolves around him.

Cliff ord Sunfl ower performs a dance for Earth’s

Journey.

Camryn Clements and Hannah Benscoter at Earth’s

Journey.

Josh French is Saturn.

13May/Financial 2010 Middle SchoolMiddle School

Going west

Students in seventh-grade English classes took a virtual fi eld trip “Out West” thanks to Patti Sweeney,

library media specialist. Students explored a scree slope in the Weminuche Wilderness Area, cliff dwellings in the Utah mountain ranges and many other places on the Google Lit Trip. Sweeney, working in collaboration with seventh-

grade English teachers, set up the virtual fi eld trip as a culminating activity for the novel “Bearstone” by Will Hobbs, which all students read as part of the English 7 curriculum.

Students were able to “fl y” to some of the same destinations visited by the main character in the novel, and then answer questions embedded in the Google Lit Trip. Th is experience enabled students to

compare the images they formed as they read the story with the actual terrain as it appears on Google Earth.

Feedback from the students was very positive and the virtual fi eld trip helped students to better understand the novel. Th anks again to Patti Sweeney for this wonderful learning experience.

-Nicole Dimatos, MS French/English teacher

5/3 Site Council mtg., @ 2:15 p.m.5/4 PTA mtg., @ 6:30 p.m., CFE library5/5-7 State math exams for grades 6, 7 & 85/7 35-week progress reports.5/18 Budget Vote, noon-9 p.m., HS auditorium

5/24 MS/HS Bands Spring Concert @ 7 p.m., HS auditorium5/26 MS Choral Spring Concert @ 7 p.m., HS auditorium 5/31 Memorial Day. No school.

Middle School May dates

Science in the Middle School

Students in Carol Church’s science classes have been applying their skills of thinking and acting like real scientists in the fi eld. Th ey have spent the last two

months preparing and running various experiments for Science Fair and are presenting their fi ndings to their classmates. Th e students were able to enhance their use of technology by creating information for their boards using PowerPoint. Th ey are now very profi cient at using the software as well as understanding the science.

Th ey also spent some time outside in the recent warm weather to create decomposition containers, which will hopefully create some interesting humus (compost). Even after a few days, the students noticed changes in their soil samples as well as the conditions inside the containers. Th ey love the job that bacteria and fungus can do to help create good soil for growing plants.

-Carol Church, MS science teacher

New York State Math ExamsGrades 6, 7, and 8

May 5 - 7

Kelcey Watson, Breanna White & Hannah Conrad collect soil.

Will Tabachnick and Mike Bubniak put soil in their container.

Doug Vail and Andrew Hawkins with their presentation board.

May/Financial 201014 Middle SchoolMiddle SchoolStudent of the month

Front: Jesse Ingraham (Computers 7-S. Deuel), Hunter Kermidas (Home & Career Skills 6-L. Breck & Band 6-J. Dybas), Jason Wilson (Home & Career Skills 8-L. Breck), Nick Markham (Social Studies 6-P. Kamp). Back: Zachery Ducharme (French 7-J. Myers), Shianne Engel (Academic Achievement-J. Stark), Ava Hudak (Math 6-T. Urda), Dylan Studer (P.E. 6-P. Derr), Julian Paugh (Math 8-J. Stocum), Karis DuBois (Regents Earth Science-L. Brooks).

Front: Garrett Krisko (Technology 7-L. Baxter), Cordell DePersiis (Written Expression-M. O’Hearn), Jacob Krupp (P.E. 6-P. Derr), Matt Broderick (Academic Achievement-J. Young), Melissa Boeker (Art 7-J. Russell). Back: Brandy Engel (Science 8-A. Rullo), Erin Sweeney (English 8-M. Zappia), Mackenzie Bronson (Health 6-S. Deuel), Emma Haley (Technology 6-L. Baxter), Kyra Salinkas (Reading 6-K. Church), Elliot McRoberts (Science 6-T. Vermaat).

Front: Dan Gridley (Spanish IB-J. Pepples), Elliott Butler (Health 8-S. Deuel), Scott Craver (P.E. 8-P. Derr), Brian Rhodes (Home & Career Skills 8-D. Daniels), Jonah Sterling (English 7-N. Dimatos), Miranda Barrows (Spanish IB-J. Pepples). Back: Megan LeVasseur (P.E. 6-P. Dykeman), Haley Benscoter (Art 6-J. Russell), Elise Freije (Home & Career Skills 6-L. Breck), Alex Krise (P.E.8-P. Dykeman), Joshua Weintraub (Social Studies 8-D. Honsinger), Mike Diekow (French I-N. Dimatos), Samantha Malchak (Academic Achievement 8-R. Fortier).

Front: Sara Clark (Band 7-J. Dybas), Chelsea Henige (English 7-D. Honsinger), Victoria Transue (Academic Achievement-P. Swartout), Vanessa Mirch (P.E. 7-P. Dykeman), Kristen Silvanic (Computers 8-K. Shapiro), Jacob Gaworecki (Art 8-J. Russell). Back: Kendra Vest (Social Studies 7-D. Honsinger), Carley Church (Home & Career Skills 7-L. Breck & Science 7A-A. Rullo), James Pattwell (P.E. 7-P. Derr & Social Studies 7-P. Griffi ths), Melissa Sweet (Spanish 7-M. Gregrow), Natalie Valla (Science 7-C. Church).

Front: Jarred Riegel (Spanish IA-J. Pepples), Michael Bubniak (Spanish 7-M. Gregrow), Evan Picciano (Math 8-M. Tio), Devin Hopkins (Math 7A-D. Lynch. Back: DJ Ehrets (Band 8-J. Dybas), Jake Stone (Science 8-A. Rullo), Mike Zurenda (Technology 8-L. Baxter), Corey Sager (P.E. 8-P. Derr), Bobby Clapper (Spanish IB-J. Pepples),Brandon Woolston (P.E. 7-P. Derr).

15May/Financial 2010 Middle SchoolMiddle School

Middle school should prepare students for the rigors of high school. Middle school should teach discipline and responsibility. Middle

school should provide opportunities for the advanced and fi ll in the educational gaps of those falling behind. Middle school should teach social and environmental awareness. Middle school should teach civics and citizenship. Middle school should develop a student’s self-awareness and self- esteem. Middle school education has a big job.

As educators we know we have a big job. We recognize and accept that challenge; that is the easy part. Prioritizing and attaining the job goals can be much tougher. It is easy to emphasize one goal over another. In such cases, a lopsided agenda can develop a situation where all else becomes excluded, secondary or insignifi cant. Education writer and author of “What Ever It Takes,” Richard Defour, describes one such school as the Chicago Cubs Middle School. Th is school over emphasizes self-esteem.

Similar to watching the Cubs play, the Chicago Cubs Middle School is great fun, there is a beautiful setting, everyone enjoys themselves and everyone feels good about themselves. However, analogous to the Cubs, students in the school never truly achieve. Th e Cubs never get to the World Series and the students never achieve their academic goals. In this school, students would have great self-esteem and self-awareness; however, academic achievement is elusive. Lack of priority and clear purpose open the possibilities to other unfocused, too focused, or mis-focused schools such as:

Th e Middle School of Selection and Sorting. In this school the easy to teach are separated from the hard to reach. Th e top performing 20 percent are given challenging courses and the best teachers. (At least they would think they are the best teachers because their students would do so well). Th e next level of students, perhaps 10 to 20 percent, are given good opportunities with high expectations. Th e remaining are shipped out to self-contained special rooms, off -site placements, or enrolled in programs of low expectations.

Th e Boot Camp Middle School. In this school company commanders and drill sergeants reign. If home work is a minute late, no credit is given. If one is a second late to class, then one lap around the building is due. Dignity

is displaced by pure discipline. Students are treated like adults and by gosh they better act like adults. When one says, “act your age!” it means act 25 years old not 12. Not everyone gets through Boot Camp Middle School, but that is considered a good thing.

The Middle School of Social and Philosophical Agendas. Th ese schools over emphasize specifi c agendas and come to believe that this is their major purpose. In such a school, philosophies of political or social interests overtake the curriculum and goals. Students are thought to do well simply because they show a conscience or display a specifi c mind set.

Th e Middle School of the Here and Now. In this school we never worry about the future. Ninth grade might as well be nine centuries away. Th e child is what he or she is now and that is the only concern. Seventh-graders are naturally irresponsible and, therefore, that is acceptable. Eighth-graders can be crude, therefore, crude rules. In this school the needs of the student are met, but only the needs of the present.

Contrary to all of the above, there could be a school where the middle schooler is treated for what the middle schooler is: a child. Th ere could be a school that understands children in the middle are growing, changing and learning. Yes, middle schoolers must get ready for high school, but they are not yet ready for high school standards. Th is school would have discipline, but it would be with dignity. Th is school would have opportunity for the advanced, but it would not limit opportunity to only the advanced. It would operate under the principle that all children can learn. Th is school would teach social and civic responsibility, but not extremism. Th is school would understand that for children and society to survive, the children must be taught to be problem solvers and decision makers. Th e central questions for the faculty would be what should the children learn and are they learning it? An ultimate goal would be that the students should develop into independent lifelong learners. In this school, students would learn to think.

Good news...there is such a school; it is the Chenango Forks Middle School.

-Bill Burke, MS principal

Middle school names and goals

May/Financial 201016 Middle SchoolMiddle SchoolProse, poetry and “Pi”

Due to “Pi Day” occurring on a Sunday this year (March 14, which is 3.14,) math classes in the Middle School decided to honor the value of “pi” on Monday, March

15.

Each class at various grade levels had the opportunity to reinforce the concept of pi by using songs, memory-building activities, calculating the area of circles, sharing poems and eating pie, of course!

James Stocum’s students were challenged to memorize as many digits of pi as they could within one class period. Karis DuBois memorized the most, an astonishing 35 digits. Th e poem below was written for Mina Tio’s class by eighth-grader Alex Niman. Happy Pi Day.

-Mina Tio, MS 8th-grade math teacher

Middle School students with some pies on Pi Day.

March 2 was an exciting day for Middle School foreign language students as they

participated in Read Across America.

Seventh- and eighth-grade French and Spanish students walked across the school campus to read to elementary students in

a foreign language. Th irteen classrooms participated in this exciting activity, which began with the foreign language teachers reading “Green Eggs and Ham” in French or Spanish. Th en, Middle School students paired up with elementary students to read a short book to them in the foreign

language. At the end of the lesson, everyone sang “Feliz Cumpleaños” or “Joyeux Anniversaire” to Doctor Seuss. It was an enjoyable educational experience for everyone involved.

-MS foreign language teachers

What is Pi?Pi is a word,Pi is a food,

Most important thoughPi is a number

that connects every circleever drawn

to one another3.14159…

Read Across America in the Middle School

Middle School and elementary students read together as part of Read Across America.

17May/Financial 2010

Visual thinking strategies

Throughout the school year, Jessica Stark’s AIS class and Jessica Russell’s Art Club have been participating in a Visual Th inking Strategies (VTS) program off ered

through the Teacher’s Center.

Stark and Russell went to several training sessions to learn how to implement VTS in their classrooms. Th e center

sponsored a fi eld trip to the Binghamton Roberson Museum for the participating classes. While at Roberson, students had the opportunity to do VTS at the museum with several preselected artworks. Th e students also had the pleasure of doing two diff erent art projects, printmaking and tessellations. Th e trip was a great success.

-Jessica Russell, MS art teacher

Middle School/High SchoolMiddle School/High School

It was fun making them and it will be even more fun when the students get

to eat ice cream out of them.

Seventh-grade artists in Jessica Russell’s classes created their own ice cream bowls out of clay. First, students explored clay hand-building methods,

pinching pots and learning about coil construction. Throughout the process students had to keep in mind that they would be eating

ice cream out of it soon. The students created some beautiful bowls.

-Jessica Russell, MS art teacher

Students create art work while at Roberson. Students learn about some of the art at Roberson.

Creating ice cream bowls

Middle school students create their ice cream bowls.

May/Financial 201018 Middle School/High SchoolMiddle School/High School

The CF Middle and High School Jazz Bands, under the direction of Jamie Dybas and Nancy Wildoner, respectively, performed for Oakdale Mall shoppers

on Th ursday, March 18, as part of Music in Our Schools

Month. Th e audience enjoyed the performances as much as the students enjoyed performing. Our student musicians did a wonderful job representing the Forks music program.

-Nancy Wildoner & Jamie Dybas, HS/MS bands

Art and play: Where learning begins

The Binghamton Association for the Education of Young Children (BAEYC) collaborated with The Binghamton YWCA and WSKG for its

Second Annual Community Art Exhibit: A Celebration of Childhood.

Th is year’s exhibition theme is: “Play: Where Learning Begins.” Th e show opened on April First Friday and was available for viewing throughout the month of April in the second fl oor community room at the Binghamton YWCA at 80 Hawley Street. Th e exhibit ran as part of the Month of the Young Child.

Th e following high school art students displayed their artwork, which included an artist statement: Stevie West, Stephanie Zdimal, Sarah Maximowicz, Amie Curyto, Joe Furey and Emily Feldpausch. Th anks to all for their artistic support of the celebration of childhood.

-Diane Sheehan, HS art teacher

Stephanie Zdimal’s poster.

Bands perform at Oakdale Mall

Middle School Jazz Band.

High School Jazz Band.

19May/Financial 2010

This year, fi ve high school students will spend a lot of time gazing at the sky. No, they won’t be daydreaming. Th ey are involved in a unique

project with NASA and the Lunar Planetary Institute.

Ben Daniels, Jackson Haskell, Sarah Andrus, Sarah Maximowicz and Sharon Hartzell, with guidance from science teachers Tim Conner and Sabrina Laine, are working to determine relative and absolute dates of lunar maria, the dark, smooth lava deposits that speckle the surface of the moon.

Th e students are working with Dr. Justin Filiberto, a post-doctoral research associate at Rice University’s Department of Earth Science, Dr. Stephanie Shipp, from the Lunar Planetary Research Institute, and Andrew Shaner from the NASA Lunar Science Institute, to gather and date images of the moon’s surface.

Th e students will compete in May against high schools from Waco and San Antonio, Texas, and Springfi eld, Mo. Th e student research will be judged by a panel of lunar scientists and will be showcased at the NASA Lunar Science Institute Conference at the NASA Ames Research Center. Th e winning team and teachers will attend the conference in California to present their work.

In addition to gaining genuine research experience, the student scientists are helping lunar researchers to better understand the moon and prepare for future explorations.

-Sharon Hartzell, CF senior

Th e Lunar Team of Ben Daniels, Jackson Haskell, Sarah Andrus, Sarah Maximowicz and Sharon Hartzell.

High SchoolHigh School

Chemistry Olympiad

On March 26, Trisha Dupnock and Jenna Snow participated

in the local section of the Chemistr y Olympiad at Binghamton Univer s i ty. This competition included a morning exam and an afternoon laboratory practical.

Both performed extremely well, and Trisha was able to qualify for the National Chemistry Olympiad on April 23.

For nationals, Trisha will have to complete the following tasks: a 90-minute multiple choice exam that covers broad chemistry topics, a 105-minute free response section that consists of multi-step problems based on chemical theories and models, and a 75-minute laboratory practical.

From these exams, 20 students will be selected to participate at a study camp held in June at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado. Based on their performance at the study camp, four students will then be selected to represent the United States at the International Chemistry Olympiad. Great job ladies and good luck to Trisha. You “chem” do it!

-Alison Sheridan-Brennan, HS chemistry teacher

Trisha and Jenna review equations before the competition.

Students conduct lunar research

Odyssey team competes at states

On Saturday, March 27, the High School Odyssey of the Mind team competed in the state tournament

at Binghamton University.

Competing in a fi eld of 16 teams, the “Discovered Treasures” team took home seventh place. Congratulations to team members Nicholas Shannon, Ariel Roys, Taylor Zarrelli, Sarah Maximowicz, Emily Feldpausch, Courtney Hadden, Alexis Kellicutt, and their coach Carol Denz.

-Melissa Santacrose, Odyssey of the Mind coordinator

Th e team at the state competition.

May/Financial 201020 High SchoolHigh SchoolIdentity theft solutions

Identity theft is a growing problem in the United States. Americans lose over $6 billion annually due to identity theft crimes. Teenagers are not immune to this and CF

High School students learned some valuable information on how to avoid identity theft.

Th is month, Assistant to the Attorney General of New York Mike Danaher came to the High School to talk with CF seniors on how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

Danaher helped educate students on ways to identify cyber “phishing” scams, develop and use safer passwords and how to help protect their most vital information from identity thieves. With this knowledge students can avoid becoming victims of this growing technologically advanced crime.

-Jon Edwards, HS social studies teacher

Assistant to the Attorney General of NY Mike Danaher, center, with High School students.

Nimmonsburg Rotary and CF Student Council sponsored a four-way speech contest for Chenango Forks High School students on Th ursday March 18. Th e top winners of this

competition went on to compete at the Nimmonsburg Rotary luncheon on March 26. Th ose students were ranked and then invited to compete at the District Rotary meeting in Owego on May 1.

Winners of the luncheon competition were given a monetary prize of $100 and $50, respectively, and a certifi cate. Winners at the district level will compete for cash prizes of $1000, $500 and $250. Th e speech was designed to cover the four-way test of the basic principles of the Rotary Club. 1) Is it the truth? 2) Is it fair to all concerned? 3)Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4)Will it be benefi cial to all concerned? Rickey Bronson and Alyssa Niman will be representing Chenango Forks High School at the district level. Good luck Rickey and Alyssa!

-Kathleen Quaranta, HS business teacher

APP updates

The After-Prom Party (APP) fundraising is now complete and the party is fast approaching. APP will be midnight-5 a.m., on Saturday, May 15, in the

High School. All Chenango Forks juniors and seniors are invited to attend, even if they don’t attend the prom.

Student agreements must be completed by all students planning to attend. Th ese agreements will be sent home with students on April 30. It is also available on the APP Web page. Th e agreements must be returned to Kathie Davis in the attendance offi ce by Friday, May 7.

Th is year, we are pleased to off er free bus service from the

Prom at the McKinley back to the party at the High School. We will also be providing changing areas at the High School. Students who would like to use these services must sign up for them on the form.

Adult volunteers are still needed to chaperone, set up and clean up after the event. If you have any questions or would like to get involved with APP, please contact one of the co-chairs listed below or check out the APP Web page at www.cforks.org and click on “Parent Portal” and “After Prom Party Committee”.

Sheila Sullivan - 648-5430 Melissa Stephens - 648-5689 Cris Broderick - 648-3160 Deb Rutkowski - 648-8665Kathie Davis - 648-7233

Rickey Bronson gives his speech to members of the Nimmonsburg Rotary.

Students compete in speech contest

21May/Financial 2010

Front: Rahmel Stroman (P.E.-S. Busch), Ken Bowen (Global 10-C. Spencer), Nick Shannon English-K. Taylor), Brandi Foster (Integrated Algebra-M. Tio), Callie Gill (Studio Art 2D-D. Sheehan & Spanish III-M. Black). Back: Laura Haley (AP World History-R. Condon), Courtney Casterlin (P.E.-K. Shapiro), Dana Miller (Health-K Shapiro), Nicole Clark (Painting-D. Sheehan), Lindsey Crawford Geometry-M. Fendick), Lindsay Humphrey (Biology-T. Giovenco & French III-J. Myers), Erik Johnson (Liv. Environment-M. Phillips), Zachary Jeske (Regents Chemistry-L. Tecza), Ashley Slavick (P.E.-V. Kwartler).

Student of the month

High SchoolHigh School

From your guidance offi ceWith graduation approaching please remember to tell guidance secretary GiGi Snow of any scholarships your child will be receiving so it can be included in the graduation bulletin and the graduation edition of the newsletter. Th ank you.

-GiGi Snow, HS guidance

Front: Noelle Valla (Studio Art 3D-K. Rosko), Kaylee Krager (Spanish II-S. Byrnes), Kelsey Brown (Global History-R. Condon), Kerry Heller French II-J. Myers). Middle: Keenan Conrad (Earth Science-T. Giovenco), Veronica Kalashnik (Studio Art 2D-D. Sheehan & Earth Science-L. Brooks), Courtney Cook (Studio Art 2D-D. Sheehan), Samantha Thatcher (Contemporary Crafts-K. Rosko), Morgan Barrett P.E.-V. Kwartler). Back: Ken Starr (Biology-J. Roosa & English-B. Wilson), Mike Doll English-K. Taylor).

Freshmen

Sophomores

Front: Lauren Gridley (Forensic Toxicology-L. Tecza), Ashley Shaylor (P.E.-S. Busch), Melissa Belanger (US History-K. Darling), Shelby Haven (Portfolio-D. Sheehan).Back: Shaun Sager (Video Production-D. Sheehan), Chris O’Brien (Environmental Science B-M. Phillips), Seth Zeigler (P.E.-V. Kwartler), Tanya Birmingham (English-B. Wilson).

Juniors

Front: Corey Gildea (French V-J. Myers), Chelsey Hall (Human Development-D. Daniels), Adam Jeavons (Regents Physics-S. Laine), Mary Katherine Dugue (Economics-K. Darling), Allie Maceda (Jewelry-D. Sheehan), Justin Flannery (P.E.-K. Shapiro). Back: Austin Mills (P.E.-N. Fersch), Sandra Perry (Painting-D. Sheehan), Mike Symkowicz (P.E.-N. Fersch), Alexis Taylor (P.E.-N. Fersch), Hanna Snow (AP Biology-T. Giovenco), Melody Wildoner (Band-N. Wildoner), Kurtis Payne (Jewelry-D. Sheehan), Trisha Dupnock (Gothic Literature-K. Taylor), Abby Ponterio (Drawing Basics-K. Rosko & P.E.-V. Kwartler).

Seniors

May/Financial 201022

Winter sports end-of-season highlightsBoys Swimming and Diving – Division ChampionsCoaches: Dan Kozlowski & Jonathan EdwardsAll-Division: 50 Free: Tyler Serva 100 Fly: Stephen Edwards 200 IM: Stephen Edwards 100 Freestyle: John ComfortState Qualifi ers: 200 Free Relay: Ryan Hogan, Stephen Edwards, John Comfort, Tyler ServaSportsmanship: Alex YevtukhAcademic All-Star: Stephen Edwards

Front: Ken Starr, Zach Kolb, Mark Slocum, Steve Maximowicz, Tim Hulbert, Ryan Hogan, Alex Singh, James Allen, John Comfort, Kevin Spencer. Back: Tyler Serva, Alex Yevtukh, Stephen Edwards, Jackson Haskell, Nick LoPiccolo.

Congratulations CF AthletesCongratulations CF Athletes

Boys Basketball - Coach Drew RulloAll Division: Patrick Creagh, Corey Bruet, Casey RedfernSportsmanship: Matt LeVasseurAcademic All-Star: Casey Redfern

Corey Bruet, Casey Redfern, Matt LeVasseur, Patrick Creagh.

Girls Basketball - Coach Nick FerschAll-Conference: Raychel ShannonAcademic All-Star: Raychel ShannonSportsmanship Award: Lauren Guth

Lauren Guth & Raychel Shannon.

Bowling - Coach John PrestonAcademic All-Stars: Derek Church, Malinda RobinsonAll-Division: Malinda Robinson, Crystal Canniff , Damian BausenweinAll-Conference: Zach VanKurenSportsmanship Award: Malinda Robinson, Zach VanKurenState Qualifi er: Zach VanKuren

Derek Church, Malinda Robinson, Crystal Canniff , Zach VanKuren.

Damian Bausenwein.

23May/Financial 2010 Congratulations CF AthletesCongratulations CF AthletesWrestling - Coach Rick Gumble3rd consecutive Section IV Dual Meet Title & 5-time Section IV Division 1 Title WinnersSection IV Champions: Jordan Dyer, Rickey Bronson, Jordan Barnett, Tyler Lusht, Kyle Kelly, Ryan Lusht, Jacob Green.

NYS Place Winners: Casey LaNave-3rd, Kyle Kelly-4th & Jordan Dyer-5thSportsmanship Award: Jesse BarnettAcademic All-Star: Rickey Bronson

Row 1: B. Secoolish, D. Samson, D. Hendrickson, C. Snow, J. Green, K. Kelly, J. Grems. Row 2: J. Fox, T. Lusht, J. Barnett, R. Bronson, A. Fleicher, T. Barnett, J. Dyer, J. Sweeney, C. Parsons, C. LaNave. Row 3: E. Rhinehart, D. Reid, C. Masland, T. Knapp, J. DuBois, N. LoPiccolo, P. Hardy, J. Barnett, R. Lusht.Casey LaNave & Kyle Kelly. Jordan Dyer.

Indoor Track & Field - Coach Christina GermanoAcademic All-Star: Kristen Brooks State Qualifer: Kristen Brooks, Sarah Krizan, Mary KampSportsmanship Award: Kevin Coughlin All-Star: Sarah Krizan, Mary Kamp

Winter Cheerleading - Coach Nicole WaskieAcademic All-Star: Alexis MorganSportsmanship: Alexis Castaldo

Alexis Morgan & Alexis Castaldo.

Kristen Brooks, Kevin Coughlin, Sarah Krizan, Mary Kamp.

5/3 Site Council mtg., @ 2:15 p.m., HS conf. room

5/4 PTA mtg., @ 6:30 p.m., CFE library

5/6 BOE mtg., & budget hearing, @ 7 p.m., MS Library

5/7 35-week progress report

5/10 CFCA Board mtg., @ 7 p.m., HS Lecture Room 1

5/14 Prom & After-Prom Party

5/18 Budget Vote, noon-9 p.m., HS Auditorium

5/24 HS/MS Bands Spring Concert, @ 7 p.m., HS Auditorium

5/26 HS/MS Choral Spring Concert, High School Auditorium

5/31 HS Marching Band in Memorial Day Parade Memorial Day. No school.

High School May dates

May/Financial 201024

Budget HearingTh ursday, May 6 @ 7 p.m.

Middle School Activity Area

Annual VoteTuesday, May 1812 noon - 9 p.m.

High School Auditorium(As required by law, you will receive a

separate notice for the annual vote by mail.)

Ice Cream Social4 - 7 p.m.

After you vote, come to the HS cafeteria to enjoy some delicious ice cream, sponsored by the

CF Teachers’ Association

PTA MeetingMeet the BOE candidates

Tuesday, May 4 @ 6:30 p.m.CFE Library

Home of the Blue DevilsHome of the Blue Devils1 Gordon DriveBinghamton, NY 13901

Nonprofi t OrganizationU.S. Postage PAID

Permit No. 155Binghamton, NY 13901

Superintendent of SchoolsBob Bundy

Assistant SuperintendentCarol Denz

Business ExecutiveKathy Blackman

Communications CoordinatorLinda Myers

ECRWSS Postal Patron

Softball BoostersDoug’s Fish FryWednesday, May 19 & 26, from 12-7 p.m. Valley Christian Reform Church on River Road

Plant SaleOrders will be taken through May 3.Delivery is on Wednesday May 26, 12-7 p.m., at the fi sh fry.

Bus drivers & monitors needed

The Chenango Forks School District is looking for responsible adults to be school bus drivers and monitors. Training is provided to approved

applicants. Th e job provides great hours for parents with children in school. Interested parties may apply to Birnie Bus Corp. at the bus garage, or online at Chenango Forks Transportation Employment. For more information, please call 648-7508.

-Jerry Hartman, transportation supervisor

Kelly’s AngelsQuater AuctionCFHS Student Council, along with Kelly’s Angels/Forks Fight Cancer, is hosting a Quarter Auction on May 7 in the HS Cafeteria to benefi t the American Cancer Society. Preview begins at 6 p.m. with the auction beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5. For more information, call Cheri Panko at 727-9419.

Relay for LifeKelly’s Angels and Forks Fight Cancer will once again participate in the Greater Binghamton Relay for Life. Please consider joining our team, helping out at a fund raiser or making a donation. Contact Pat Swartout at swartoutp@cforks.org or Cheri Panko at pankoc@cforks.org. Please check out our Web site at http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=20719&pg=entry.

Kelly’s Angels and Forks Fight Cancer was inspired by our own valiant teen, Kelly O’Day, who lost her battle with cancer. We all know someone who has suff ered with cancer. Do it for them. -Pat Swartout, consultant teacher & Cheri Panko, computer services